Teaware

Yixing Zi Sha is an art form with a long history and rich appeal. The decorative arts have been developed through the research and creation of Zi Sha artisans over time. Different decorative arts have different effects when applied to different themes. This method of aligning decoration with the subject, the teapot, and the intention adds a cultural dimension to the Zi Sha teapot. The development of Zi Sha art has led to various decorative techniques, which are detailed as follows: Engraving: This is one of the main decorative techniques of Zi Sha. It uses a knife instead of a brush and engraving instead of painting, integrating poetry, calligraphy, painting, and engraving into a harmonious whole, with a strong national style and regional characteristics. Known as "Man Sheng Hu", "characters are passed down along with the teapot, and the teapot becomes valuable because of the characters," it made a historical contribution to the art of Zi Sha engraving. After the Qing Dynasty, Zi Sha engraving decoration became a specialized production process. The subjects and forms are extremely varied. Landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and ancient patterns are all potential subjects for painting, while calligraphy is an indispensable decorative element. Regular…

 Savoring tea is a form of enjoyment and an art of living. The teapot, for the tea connoisseur, is the cradle that nurtures the tea leaves. It endures hardship and toil, silently holding and developing the aroma and flavor of the tea – this is both the task and spirit of a teapot. When selecting a teapot, one should not be confined to narrow considerations. After all, valuing rarity or prestige is more suited to antique collectors or experts. Generally speaking, a new teapot that meets basic criteria, if properly maintained and adept at developing aroma and flavor, is sufficient. Therefore, whether ancient or modern, a good teapot is always desirable. The teapot is the centerpiece of tea ware, and the focus of the tea brewing process that most influences personal experience. Thus, whether in selecting or maintaining a teapot, proper methods must be followed. This article lists seven key principles for selecting a teapot for your consideration. These are: aesthetics, material quality, pot flavor, precision, water pouring, balance, and suitability. Here they are: I. Aesthetics Everyone has different tastes when it comes to aesthetics. The aesthetics referred to here primarily concern personal preference. For the shape and appearance of…

 Tea ware, also known as tea utensils or tea apparatus in ancient times. The Tang Dynasty litterateur Pi Rixiu wrote in his poem “Cpu Family Forest Pavilion” about "the sparse osmanthus shadows moving over the tea ware." During the Song Dynasty, emperors gave "tea ware" as gifts. The Northern Song painter Wen Tong wrote in a poem, "Only with tea ware to appreciate the utmost seclusion." In the Yuan Dynasty, the painter Wang Mian wrote in the "Flute Playing Out of the Gorge" poem, "Wine pot and tea ware on top of the boat." Xu Ze, one of the four great painters known as the "Four Talents of Wu" during the early Ming Dynasty, wrote when inviting friends for evening tea and drinking, "Tea ware is still set up late at night; song pots are not knocked upon when sober." It is not difficult to see that whether poets from the Tang and Song dynasties or painters from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, their writings often contain verses about "tea ware," indicating that it is an integral part of tea culture. Within its narrow definition, tea ware refers to tea cups, teapots, tea bowls, tea cups, tea saucers, and tea…

For those who love to drink tea, it's natural to explore various tea wares. Tea enthusiasts who own both purple clay teapots and gaiwans may notice differences when using them to steep the same tea – in terms of aroma, color of the tea liquor, and taste. To understand why there are differences in taste, we need to look at the characteristics of purple clay teapots and gaiwans. [Gaiwan] A gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea ware consisting of a lid, a base, and a bowl. It is also known as the "Three-Talent Bowl" or "Three-Talent Cup," symbolizing heaven with the lid, earth with the base, and humanity with the bowl, embodying the concept of harmony between heaven, earth, and man. The most common type of gaiwan is made of white porcelain, which has a dense body and thick glaze. Feature 1: White Porcelain Does Not Retain Flavors Due to its unique material, white porcelain preserves the purest flavor of the tea but also retains any impurities in the leaves. Feature 2: Easy to Maintain Since white porcelain does not retain flavors, it is easy to clean and can be used for various types of tea without worrying about flavor…

For those who love tea, teapots are a must-have. They make brewing your favorite type of tea, whether it's loose leaf or in bags, super easy. With a teapot, you can get all the taste and smell from your tea just right. There are lots of different shapes and styles of teapots out there. Each one has something special about it that makes making tea even better. The way a teapot is made - like its body shape or what kind of tea it's best for - really matters when you're looking to brew the perfect cup. With a teapot on hand, you can make more than just one cup at a time which is great for sharing with others. Brewing together brings people closer and adds to the fun of drinking tea as well as allowing loose leaf teas enough room to spread out fully enhances their flavor. Teapots often have strainers or infusers built into them too; this means no mess when using loose leaves because they keep everything tidy inside while pouring your drink ensuring nothing but smooth sipping. As we move forward, we'll look into how designs have changed over time including why certain shapes mean…

How to nurture a beautiful teapot? This is the most frequently discussed topic and one that every enthusiast of teapot artistry wishes to delve deeper into. Here, I am willing to share my humble insights gained over many years of nurturing teapots for the reference of fellow enthusiasts in the teapot arts. Firstly, good clay. The proudest achievement in nurturing a teapot lies in the uniqueness of the purple clay material; the secret to successful nurturing primarily depends on the quality of the purple clay. Superior clay allows you to achieve twice the result with half the effort, fully enjoying the pleasure and sense of accomplishment in nurturing the teapot; inferior clay will make your efforts futile, leaving you with a tasteless experience and nothing but regret. Therefore, carefully selecting purple clay is the first step to successfully nurturing your teapot. Secondly, thoroughly clean the teapot. If it's a new teapot, be sure to remove the vaseline applied to the surface of the teapot (this can be done by boiling or using salad detergent to clean it); if it's an old teapot, wash away any accumulated grime on the surface. Whether it’s a new or old teapot, returning it to…

Brewing tea can be simple, a pot and a cup are enough to enjoy the charm of tea. Brewing tea can also be elaborate, an elaborate tea setting adds more flavor to tea tasting. "Elaborate" is a sense of ceremony, and it reflects one’s taste. Each utensil has its purpose, so what kind of tea utensils are there on a tea setting? Today, I have compiled a list of tea utensils for you. Let's see what your tea setting might be missing! Basic Tea Utensils Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a teaware consisting of a lid, bowl, and saucer, mainly used for brewing tea. Teapot: A teapot is a vessel with a spout used for brewing and pouring tea, it is one of the tea utensils primarily used for brewing tea. Fairness Cup: This is a utensil used to evenly distribute the tea liquor before pouring into tasting cups. Tasting Cup: A short cup used for drinking tea. Smelling Cup: Used for smelling the aroma, it is taller and thinner than the tasting cup, often used when brewing highly aromatic Oolong teas from Taiwan. Tea Pad: Smaller than a tea tray, used for holding tasting cups and serving tea. Tea Scoop:…

The selection of tea utensils should take into account three factors: the occasion, the number of participants, and the type of tea. High-quality tea utensils paired with premium teas complement each other, enhancing the enjoyment of tea tasting. For example, for high-grade green tea, a clear glass cup without patterns or colors is recommended, as it not only suits the temperature needed for brewing green tea but also allows one to appreciate the color of the tea and the transformation of the leaves. For oolong tea, an elegant and rustic purple clay pot is ideal; for flower-scented tea, a lidded teacup that can retain fragrance and warmth is suitable. The choice of tea utensils also depends on the quality of the tea. For instance, for mid-range green tea with ordinary appearance, a porcelain pot would be chosen for brewing. The brewing utensils must be clean and intact, and when choosing them, attention should be paid to the coordination of colors, materials, and the harmony of the entire set of tea utensils. The arrangement of tea utensils should be logical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, paying attention to the sense of hierarchy and the variation in lines. When setting up the utensils,…

  Purple clay is a thin layer found within the Jia clay ore, and due to its higher iron oxide content compared to Jia clay, it turns purple or dark brown after firing, making it the primary material for crafting purple clay teapots. Purple clay can be further divided into purple clay, red clay, and green clay. Within the category of purple clay, there are also subtypes such as purple clay, Dicaoqing, Hong Pilong, Bai Pilong, Hong Mazi, and Bai Mazi. These three base clays are like the primary colors in painting, capable of producing an infinite variety of hues through different ratios of mixing. The color variations of purple clay achieved through different mixtures of these three base clays and firing temperatures are considered natural and additive-free. This is similar to how we would refer to fabrics dyed with natural plant pigments by ethnic minorities as naturally colored coarse cotton cloth. The color changes in purple clay are related to the types and proportions of metal oxides present in the clay. After firing, the clay can display a range of colors including sky blue, dark liver, hibiscus red, vermilion purple, aquamarine, sunflower yellow, pear skin, pomegranate peel, dark green,…

 1. The flavor and color of tea brewed in a purple clay cup is rich and fragrant, and it never tastes like boiled water. This is unmatched by any other type of teaware, and the tea will remain fresh for several days even in hot summer. Purple clay cups do not overpower the aroma of the tea nor impart a cooked taste. Therefore, when used to brew tea, they preserve its natural color, aroma, and flavor. 2. Porous purple clay cups can absorb tea residue, and over time, they accumulate "tea rust." As a result, even when empty, pouring boiling water into the cup releases a tea fragrance. 3. They are easy to clean. If left unused for a while and an odor develops, simply rinse the cup with boiling water two or three times, then pour out the cold water before using it to brew tea, which will retain its original flavor. 4. They have excellent thermal shock resistance. Even in the depths of winter, pouring boiling water into the cup does not cause it to crack due to sudden temperature changes. Additionally, the porous material conducts heat slowly, so the cup remains comfortable to hold. 5. They are…

Pu'er shengcha is a treasure in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. To truly appreciate its unique flavor and rich aroma, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. Whether you're a tea art novice or an experienced tea lover, this article will provide you with the most detailed and friendly guide to brewing Pu'er shengcha. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Understanding Your Pu'er Shengcha Before brewing, it's key to understand the basic information about the tea. Pu'er shengcha undergoes natural fermentation, giving it a unique fragrance and taste. Its leaves are typically large, greenish in color, and have a fresh, natural aroma. The quality of Pu'er shengcha is closely related to its origin, harvest time, and storage duration, so when purchasing, choose reliable brands and channels. Preparation: Utensils and Water There are many options for brewing Pu'er shengcha, including covered bowls, purple clay pots, and glass teapots. Each type has its unique advantages, but the most important thing is to choose utensils that you feel comfortable using and can fully showcase the characteristics of the tea. The quality of water greatly influences the tea infusion. Ideally, the water should be clean, odorless, and have moderate mineral content. The best choice…

Tea ware is a part of daily life, combining practical functionality with artistic creativity. Among its features, patterns are one of the most prominent aspects, reflecting both the wisdom of artists and the aesthetic tastes of the Chinese people. Ten specific patterns frequently appear on tea ware. Infant Play Scene The infant play scene depicts playful moments with children as the main subjects, often showing their recreational activities. This makes the tea ware lively and full of charm. Fisherfolk Joy Scene The Fisherfolk Joy Scene was widely depicted on Kangxi porcelain, representing the industrious labor and bountiful harvest of fisherfolk. When painted on tea ware, it carries the auspicious meaning of wishing for good weather and prosperity. Ladies Scene In China, ladies scenes are quite common. Under the skillful brushwork of artists, graceful and elegant women are vividly portrayed on tea ware. Enjoying the beauty of these figures while sipping tea is a reflection of the refined tastes of ancient times. Crane Pattern The use of crane patterns on tea ware dates back to the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, graceful and elegant red-crowned cranes were commonly depicted. The crane pattern is favored by literati for its…

Due to being part of the same Eastern cultural sphere, Japanese tea wares emphasize connotations just like those in China. This piece shares content from Chapter Five of “Tea Pleasures in Variegated Colours: The Spread of Chinese Tea and Foreign Tea Affairs,” written by Yu Yue and published by Guangming Daily Press in August 1999. Since the 13th century, the custom of drinking tea has been widespread in Japan. After Kato Saemon studied porcelain making in our country and returned home, he began to pay attention to the porcelain industry. Kato, also known as Tojirō, settled in Seto, where generations of potters have maintained the traditional production of Seto ware. In 1510, Goro-taifu came to Jingdezhen, China, to study porcelain manufacturing and returned to Japan in 1515. He brought back the techniques and materials needed for producing blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen, setting up a kiln in Arita, known for its clay, marking the beginning of porcelain production in Japan. While in China, he went by the pseudonym Wu Yangrui, and the porcelain he made was also called Xiangrui. These products were limited to using Chinese techniques and materials without significant innovation but later became rare and expensive porcelain. By the…

When we generally categorize the capacity of a purple clay pot, there are typically five classifications: pots of 100cc or less are considered extra small; those over 100cc but under 200cc are called small; those from 200cc to 350cc are referred to as medium. Pots from 350cc to 600cc are classified as large, and those over 600cc are considered extra large. For one person, a small pot around 100cc or a pot around 200cc would be suitable, depending on your tea consumption. The sizes of teacups used with purple clay pots generally come in three categories: small mouth cups (about 30CC), medium mouth cups (around 50CC), and large mouth cups (approximately 90CC). The so-called golden capacity for pots is usually around 200cc to 300cc, which is ideal for two to three people to enjoy tea, as it provides just enough tea without cooling down too much. A medium-sized pot with a capacity between 200cc to 300cc suits the tea-drinking needs of most people and is also appropriate for an individual's enjoyment, hence being referred to as the "golden capacity." However, this standard is not fixed. When selecting a pot, in addition to considering the "golden capacity," other factors should be…

It is often said that nurturing a purple clay teapot requires dedication. But how should one be dedicated? And where does one start? We have summarized seven aspects for you, commonly known as the "Seven Hearts of Nurturing a Teapot." Happy Heart: Treat it as an interest in life. It can enrich your leisure time and help you learn more about traditional Chinese culture. Approach the art of purple clay with a positive attitude, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. Careful Heart: Prevent knocks and bumps. Purple clay teapots are valuable, and any damage significantly reduces their worth. Besides the financial loss, it's also distressing to see a damaged teapot, even after repair. Calm Heart: Avoid being hasty or impatient. One day external care, the next day internal care, today oolong tea, tomorrow black tea; such inconsistency won't yield good results. Personally, I believe that nurturing a teapot is a process, primarily about enjoying the insights gained and the sense of achievement from the changes in the teapot. Ordinary Heart: No matter the value of the teapot, it has practical use. Don't neglect a less expensive teapot; treat it carelessly. Purple clay, even though abundant, is a non-renewable resource. By…

Some people find wood-fired purple clay teapots stunning, while others think they lose the original beauty of purple clay. Ultimately, the choice is left to individual tea enthusiasts. In addition to wood-fired pieces, there are also reduction-fired and ash-covered purple clay teapots. Today, we will cover all three techniques in one go. Wood-Fired Purple Clay The wood-firing (naked firing) process gradually increases temperature. On the first day of firing, a low-temperature smoking process begins, allowing the carbon released from the wood to fill the pores of the clay. Once the surface of the clay turns black due to the carbon, the temperature can be further increased. This process takes approximately 30 hours. The characteristic of wood-firing is that ashes and flames directly enter the kiln. Unlike conventional glazes, the falling ashes naturally adhere to the surface of the piece and, when fired at high temperatures, form a lustrous, rich, and layered natural ash glaze; Molten or unmelted wood ash creates smooth or rough textures on the surface, along with various color changes, leaving traces of where the fire once resided. The result is natural and unadorned, unpredictable and non-repeatable. The color and texture of a wood-fired purple clay teapot depend…

When we talk about purple clay, our first impression is likely to be that most iconic object – the purple clay teapot. Elegant and refined, delicately beautiful, they seem to belong exclusively to scholars and gentlemen. Only in their hands can purple clay transcend the ordinary and emit its unique charm. The origin of purple clay is hard to trace, but it is generally believed by modern people that it gained popularity during the Ming Dynasty. Taking Yixing purple clay as a representative, over several hundred years, the production of purple clay has undergone countless transformations. In terms of shape, temperament, color, and spirit, it exudes an irresistible aura of scholarly grace. As a container, it lacks the luster of pottery and the sharpness of porcelain. It is formed using various components including red clay and purple clay, then fired, resulting in a smooth texture. Carving elegant and rustic poetry and images onto the surface of the purple clay enhances its appearance, blending form and function perfectly. High-quality purple clay teapots even appear semi-transparent when light shines through them. Moreover, tea made in vessels crafted from this material allows one to savor the original flavor of the tea without alteration.…

The late renowned painter Mr. Tang Yun, not only excelled in painting but was also a famous expert in cultural relics appraisal at home and abroad. Before his passing, he was a member of the National Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee. He had a particular fondness for Yixing purple clay teapots and owned more than ten of the famous "Mansheng Teapots," with both the quantity and quality of his collection unparalleled in the world. The actual number of surviving "Mansheng Teapots" may not be very scarce, for two reasons: firstly, they were made during the relatively recent Qing Dynasty period of Qianlong and Jiaqing; secondly, the original production quantity was large, numbering in the thousands. However, those we can see today are extremely rare. I recently went through auction catalogs from major Beijing auction houses over the past few years and did not find a single "Mansheng Teapot," which is quite puzzling. Perhaps it's because collectors cherish them as treasures and are unwilling to part with them. The so-called "Mansheng Teapot" originated with Chen Hongshou (1768-1822), known by his pen name Mansheng, a famous scholar from Qiantang, Zhejiang, who lived during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty. Alongside…

Purple clay teapots are unique in that neither the inside nor the outside is glazed, allowing the lid and body to be fired together. This ensures that the finished product has a tight, smooth lid that keeps out dust and retains heat. The main forms of lids include the press-on lid, the inset lid, and the cut-off lid. (1) Press-On Lid (also called “Complete Lid”): This type of lid sits on top of the mouth of the pot. Its edge can either be square or round, complementing the mouth of the pot. A flat piece of clay placed over the mouth is called a “seat,” while a bent piece is referred to as a “false piece.” The piece of clay forming the mouth is known as a “clump,” and the clay ring around the pot’s wall is called the “child mouth.” These parts and their transitions are connected using clay, making them blend seamlessly and appear as if they were made as one. Regardless of whether the pot is square or round, the rim of the lid and the rim of the mouth echo each other vertically and horizontally. The lid sitting on top of the mouth is also known…

In the vast array of Yixing teapot shapes, many have evolved from each other, leading to a number of models that are extremely similar, often confusing enthusiasts. The most typical examples are the “Xishi (Beauty), Wndan (Pomelo), and Longdan (Dragon Egg)” round teapots. 01 Longdan Teapot The Qing dynasty's Wu Dingmei, in his work Yangxian Minghu Fu ("Ode to Yangxian Teapots"), wrote: "Round ones resemble balls, slightly elongated, known as Longdan." This is the earliest description of the Longdan teapot style. The Longdan teapot is particularly endearing, with an oval line forming its basic outline. Its shape is simple, smooth, and robust, creating a strong overall impression. The Longdan teapot is also known as the "Longdan teapot," named for its resemblance to a dragon's egg. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot The Longdan style retains traces of the Ming dynasty aesthetic, favoring naturalness, strength, and simplicity in its design. This is an early Qing piece, featuring a straight spout, sturdy and practical. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot This is a mid-to-late Qing piece. The spout has been modified, and this version has become a classic design passed down through generations. It features a triangular cone-shaped spout that starts thick at the…

When creating a beautiful piece, the more variables involved, the weaker the human control becomes. However, luck always stands by every craftsman who truly invests their life and wisdom in it. As long as you have sufficient accumulation and patience, fine works will naturally emerge. Shoe firing ceramics are both man-made and reliant on nature, a collaboration between heaven and humanity, with its wonders lying within. Shoe firing refers to the production of ceramic wares using wood as fuel. This is an ancient technique with a high degree of difficulty, where the success or failure of the work depends on the relationship between clay, fire, wood, and kiln. Returning to nature, the fusion of fire, earth, and ash gives rise to a natural, thick, and primitive beauty. Shoe firing seeks the natural combination of wood ashes and earth, not bound by formal aesthetics, but rather without any artificial embellishment. The beauty of simplicity is attached to everything, and only in the formless yet shaped shoe-fired ware can one touch the soul. Shoe firing is mainly divided into two categories: glazed (base glaze) and unglazed (natural glaze). For example, Song Dynasty Tenmoku bowls and celadon glazes are glazed, while Bizen-yaki from…

Winter is truly the perfect time to use a purple clay pot for tea, as the warm, smooth, and hefty pot conveys the gentle warmth of winter right into your hands. However, when using a purple clay pot for tea in winter, there are some points to keep in mind, so enthusiasts should take care! Select the Right Tea The dryness of winter can easily lead to heatiness, drinking green tea can help with this, quenching thirst and stimulating saliva. The gloomy weather of winter can also make one's mood depressed or irritable, in which case floral teas can be consumed to alleviate these feelings. Black tea, being warm and sweet, can have the effect of preventing flu during winter; Oolong tea can effectively alleviate dry lips and mouth that often occur in winter... Selecting the appropriate tea can make your winter more comfortable. Prevent Cracking The situations that usually lead to cracking are generally as follows: 1. Special Clays and Shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays have different degrees of…

For many newcomers, there may indeed be some confusion. After all, the culture of purple clay has continued for hundreds of years, enduring and thriving, playing an increasingly important role in tea culture. This further illustrates that for tea drinkers, a purple clay pot is indispensable tea ware. Many seasoned tea enthusiasts have used purple clay pots from the beginning, and later even purchased dozens of various styles of Yixing purple clay pots. To those unfamiliar with purple clay pots, this may seem quite perplexing! Why do so many people like to brew tea using a purple clay pot? Why is Tea Brewed in a Purple Clay Pot Better? The most direct benefit is that it doesn’t get too hot to handle. Due to the nature of the material, a purple clay pot does not conduct heat easily. Also, because of the unique shape of the pot, one’s hand is less likely to touch the walls of the pot. A purple clay pot can absorb the aroma of tea. The unique material allows a frequently used clay pot to retain the tea fragrance, and the longer the pot is used, the stronger the tea scent it retains. A purple clay…

It's often said that a woman who drinks tea has a certain charm. And a woman who enjoys drinking tea from a Yixing clay pot possesses a natural, refreshing, and perfectly balanced beauty. Today, I'll introduce ten styles of teapots that are particularly favored by women. 01 Xi Shi (Doll) Teapot The Xi Shi teapot has a plump and adorable shape with graceful curves. The flush-fitting lid makes the entire form appear unified, making it perfect for handling. As one of the four great beauties of ancient China, the name Xi Shi naturally evokes associations of beauty, elegance, and nobility. As the saying goes: Beautiful is the Xi Shi, but the most wonderful is the Xi Shi teapot. 02 Beauty's Shoulder Teapot The Beauty's Shoulder teapot resembles an elegant and lovely ancient Chinese woman, exuding imperial splendor while also possessing the grace of a young lady. The design is full and dignified, with the main focus on the roundness of the body. The lid blends seamlessly with the body, and the teapot feels warm and smooth to the touch. 03 Smiling Cherry Teapot The Smiling Cherry teapot, originally named the Three-Line teapot, draws inspiration from ancient ceramic tea storage jars…